This first assignment has been a series of bursts of exuberant energy
followed by struggling to get going. Looking at the work I've completed, it was
no surprise to analyse the gaps and find that they were when sketching or
drawing was required. (Um, and rather longer than planned finding the right theme for the blog - oops!).
I think I am developing a little more confidence with picking up a
sketchbook and have been doing lots of research on other people's methods for
sketchbooks and journalling. I've also found some good resources such as the
Sketchbook Challenge for encouragement.
My Pinterest account and Picasa albums are building into a good collection
of visual inspiration.
Joining the Textiles Facebook group and engaging with other students via the
group is proving a really useful resource - just being able to discuss ideas,
plan visits and trips etc. helps to keep me motivated.
In terms of work I have completed so far, highlights have been working with
a wide range of materials. In particular, I have (finally) learned that it is
both necessary - and possible - to teach oneself to use a new medium
(watercolours in my case). This revelation was quite liberating. For some
reason I assumed that artists are all naturally proficient in all media when I
would never assume that I should instinctively know all textile methods but
have to spend time learning them. An interesting statement on my assumptions
about fine art and artists. With a bit of luck I'll cut myself a bit more slack
and spend more time learning about the media before plunging straight in and
expecting to be an instant Da Vinci!
Am I pleased with what I've done? Yes, in the main. I've a long way to go
but I'm enjoying the learning progress and pushing myself outside my comfort
zone. I'm enjoying the research and collecting, too. I think it will improve my
future work.
My approach has always been to go straight into the stitching and do my
practising and testing “live”. I am starting to see benefits in taking a step
back and putting thoughts, visual images and the like onto paper before I
commit to fabric as it is making me think in a more focussed way.
I’m still wrestling with how to structure sketchbooks. I have several on the
go at any one time – different sizes and formats – some with themes, others
less structured. However, I like to be able to pull images together from
different sources so rarely put anything permanently in one place. The bound
journal format really doesn’t work for me. Ring binders and photo albums with
removable pages have been my preferred choice previously - not as arty or “sexy”
but more practical! Online “albums” such as Pinterest are also great for the
way I work. I can scan or photograph objects as well as straightforward images
and create online, really flexible mood boards. Maybe I’ll need to think about
printing off collections as a more physical record?
For the next assignment I’d like to work more with colour and texture,
working larger-scale and sketching/journaling more. Onwards and upwards!
